Our take
Telling a thoughtful story about the Northern Ireland Troubles and the IRA, including all its crimes and glories, is quite the feat. But Say Nothing proves it up to the task. The nine-part miniseries features compelling performances, a whipsmart script, taut timing, and impeccable production design (despite spanning four decades, it always looks true to the era). Its most impressive trait, however, is that it manages to show all sides of this complex story in an understanding light. The rebellion has noble aims, but it’s still fallible. The British army establishes order, but their means don’t always justify their ends. The series isn’t appeasing all sides as much as it’s taking a long hard look at them. We’re invited to reexamine this crucial part of history and ask ourselves, under the circumstances, would we too say nothing or everything to save lives?
The story
Through the eyes of various Irish Republican Army (IRA) members, explore the extremes some people will go to in the name of their beliefs, the way a deeply divided society can suddenly tip over into armed conflict, the long shadow of radical violence for both victims and perpetrators, and the emotional and psychological costs of a code of silence.
Elsewhere
"In setting, subject matter, and theme, the series stands refreshingly apart from most other American programming, and its longitudinal account of political disillusionment makes it one of the year’s finest shows."
— Inkoo Kang
"As a portrait of young revolutionaries, Say Nothing crackles with the thrill and romance of committing one’s life to an armed cause."
— Nicholas Quah
Based on the nonfiction book by Patrick Radden Keefe, Say Nothing tells the historical story of The Troubles mainly through the eyes of IRA members and sisters Dolours (Maxine Peake, Lola Petticrew) and Marian Price (Helen Behan, Hazel Doupe).
Anthony Boyle, who plays Brendan Hughes in the series. Between Masters of the Air, Manhunt, and now this, he’s on a roll this year, isn’t he?
Whatever side you’re on in this highly polarizing part of history, you’ll find something to look forward to in this gripping series.
The details
Streaming arrival
Who picked it
Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.
Is Saoirse Ronan featured in episode eight as one of the McConville children? I could’ve sworn it is she but I’m not finding any mention of her in the credits or on the IMDb website.